India's G20 Presidency for the Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property
Did you know that the illicit trafficking of cultural property accounts for billions of dollars annually, and is one of the major sources of funding for organized crime at the global scale, and a grave threat to cultural heritage protection as well as a loss for humanity as a whole?
The loss of cultural property deprives future generations of their past, disrupting communities of their history and identity, as well as their right to enjoy and transmit their cultural heritage as an ethical imperative of social justice and equity. Despite efforts at the international level, various challenges continue to hinder the fight against illicit trafficking and prevent the return and restitution of cultural property.
The vision of India's Culture Working Group (CWG) is to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural property and promote its return and restitution to their countries of origin as a contribution to transitional justice. Such an endeavour will ensure the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage to all, while fostering greater understanding and respect across different cultures and communities.
Message from Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO鈥檚 Assistant Director-General for Culture
In the occasion of the first G20 Culture Global Thematic Webinar on the Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property, Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO鈥檚 Assistant Director-General for Culture, delivers a message on why fighting illicit trafficking of cultural property is today a global commitment.
"Unethically appropriated cultural property represents more than just an artifact; it's a symbol of cultural oppression. By taking items without consent, power imbalances are perpetuated, marginalizing exploited communities. These stolen treasures serve as reminders of historical injustices and a call for cultural equity."
"Cultural property, movable or immovable, is one of the basic elements of culture and civilization of any nation. Its real value can be realised by those associated with its creation, history and traditional association. Others can also understand and appreciate them better with complete information and in its context with original setting. Restitution of illicitly exported cultural property offers civilized societies a chance to reclaim lost narratives and reconnect the threads of shared identity."
"Illicit trafficking of cultural property erodes the foundations of our shared identity, severing the vital connections that bind us to our ancestry; through committed restitution efforts, we strive to reestablish these links, fostering a deeper understanding of our collective past and empowering us to face the challenges of the present and the future with renewed wisdom and unity."
Thematic Webinar on the Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property
India's G20 Presidency is organizing a thematic webinar on 28 March 2023, to foster an inclusive dialogue on the protection and restitution of cultural property. The webinar aims to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in combating illicit trafficking and facilitating restitution, highlight best practices, guide G20 membership in formulating tangible outcomes, and shape the joint ministerial declaration for the G20 Culture Ministers' Meeting in August 2023.
Webcast of the Thematic Webinar
Tuesday, 28 March 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Background Documents
of the Thematic Webinar
Background of Conventions addressing the issue of Protection and Restitution of Cultural Properties
